Deputies seek public's help in solving Schaghticoke arson

TROY--A sergeant in the Sheriff's Department's criminal investigation unit believes Monday's fire in the Village of Schaghticoke was intentionally set, and is asking for help from the public.

"We are asking members of the public to come forward and contact us," said Sergeant Shane Holcomb. "We've had a number of suspicious fires between the years 2008 and 2010, over 20 fires that are suspicious in nature."

The most recent blaze occurred in the early hours of March 21, when a fire in a garage on 158 Main St. spread to the main house, endangering a family.

"It is now an active arson investigation," Holcomb said.

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Holcomb said he believes there are people with knowledge of a suspect in that blaze, along with unsolved arsons stretching back five years.

"The person who is involved in this, someone close to them may have noticed a change in their behavior or manner," Holcomb said. "If there is anyone out there who knows someone who may be involved in these activities, they may be in danger themselves, and they're urged to contact us."

Though the suspicious fires came to a halt after a blaze in Altamont in the summer of 2010, Holcomb believes Monday's fire is likely the responsibility of the same suspect.

"We do have persons of interest," he said. "But we believe that people who commit crimes like these keep these things very close to the vest. They don't share what they're doing with anyone."

Holcomb said anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff's Department of investigation at 518-266-1981.